Since his rumored exclusion from Fabio Grosso’s training camp roster, we’ve known that Robin Gosens was on his way out of Florence and now we’ve got confirmation. The 32-year-old will return to Germany with Schalke 04 on loan. Die Königsblauen will have a €2.5 million option to make the move permanent, according to Florian Plettenburg
.It’s a disappointing conclusion to Gosens’ Fiorentina career. Although he only spent two seasons with the Viola, he feels like he’s been at the club for a decade. Through good times (2024-2025) and bad (2025-2026), he provided emotional ballast for fans and teammates alike, along with a steady succession of goals. His willingness to sacrifice himself for the team was exemplary, the mark of a real leader. His unique mixture of enthusiasm and intensity were wonderful.
Also he was a good player. Sure, injuries and a club-wide miasma of ass curtailed his 2025-2026. Sure, he looked a bit too rickety trying to defend in space. But even then, he consistently made winning plays in either box. His knack for huge blocks in his own penalty area kept this bunch of bozos in Serie A. And even in an off year, he chipped in 4 goals and 3 assists. In 2024-2025, it was 8 and 9. His wings weren’t clipped; he just flew a little lower is all.
It’s probably the best move for everyone. Gosens claims that Schalke was his favorite club growing up and, given that he’s from Emmerich (85 km/53 mi from Gelsenkirchen), I’m suspend the usual eye roll when a player trots out that tired line. He should get a lot of minutes for the newly-promoted Bundesliga side with just Anton Donkor and Vitalie Becker to beat for minutes. The Goose might even get to link back up with Edin Džeko if the Bosnia legend sticks around.
Sorry for the jump scare. It shouldn’t detract from the obvious fact that Gosens is the sort of relentlessly professional but still personable and fun player every fan should want at their club. I wish him every success with Schalke and will remember his time in Florence very fondly. So long to a guy who was class in every way. Let’s get one more honk of farewell for the Goose.
Danke, Robin.
